fend
UK/fend/US
IELTSC2
Definitions
v.
To look after and provide for oneself without help (usually 'fend for oneself').
自力更生，自己照料自己（常作 fend for oneself）
v.
To push or turn away an attack, blow, or unwanted thing (usually 'fend off').
挡开，击退（常作 fend off）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedfend is defend with its head chopped off, so it keeps the bare 'strike/ward off' sense. 'Fend off' is pure defense — bat the blow away. 'Fend for yourself' turns the defending inward: with no one guarding you, you must defend your own survival.
Root fens still carries 8 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.fend for yourself自力更生
- 2.fend off attacks击退攻击
- 3.fend off questions招架问题
- 4.fend off criticism抵挡批评
Example Sentences
- 1.
After their parents died, the children had to fend for themselves.
- 2.
She used an umbrella to fend off the stray dog.
- 3.
The CEO spent the meeting fending off awkward questions.